Police arrest 18 suspected ESN members in Imo, recover arms

The Imo State Police Command has arrested 18 suspected members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and recovered arms, ammunition and other exhibits in Oguta Local Government Area of the state.

The arrests followed raids on terrorist camps in Umuaka, Njaba LGA, and Ezioha, Mbaitoli LGA, on September 17, which forced fleeing kingpins into hiding in Agwa, Oguta LGA.

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit reportedly tracked the suspects to Obudi and Ubah communities in Agwa, where they were apprehended.

Those arrested include Okeabia Onyiyechi, Ndukwe Ebube, Mmadubueze Promise, Raphael Echefu, Ibaku Chigemezu, Chika Augustine, Ibuku Pascal, Mbojisochukwu Odueze, Obioma Emenyionu, Christopher Ugonna, Ozioma Onwatugws, Mathew Chibuenyi, Orusakwe Favour, Uzochi Nkiruka, Uzochi Adaeze, Akubuome Chialuka, Ibuaku Caroline, and Godwin Okechukwu Uzochi, all from Oguta LGA and nearby areas.

Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle, three AK-47 magazines, a pump action gun, 90 live cartridges, two Biafra flags and several charms.

Two suspects reportedly sustained gunshot wounds during the raid and are receiving treatment at the Police Clinic.

Some of the suspects were said to have confessed to carrying out multiple killings in the state, while others were identified in viral videos alongside ESN commanders.

Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing leaders, many of whom escaped with gunshot injuries.